Wednesday, July 11, 2012

L.A. NIK - WHEN A ROCKER VISITS MONTANA: EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING IN MINNEAPOLIS

When a Rocker goes to Montana to see the mountains, he doesn't change a thing about himself...

I went to visit Montana over this past July 4th holiday week with my better half Nancy.  She had gone to school there for film and has some great memories of the terrain and wildlife and had been wanting to take me there to see it for myself.  I've been to nearly every state in the U.S and much of the world, but the never the mountains of Montana.

Interestingly, Montana is the single biggest advertising campaign in Minneapolis, MN. It's on nearly every Metro Transit bus, train and billboard.  I've also seen "Visit Montana" in Twin Cities magazines and on the internet, and in light box ads in the skyway. I used to think "why would you advertise Montana here?". Furthermore, why would Minneapolis, a city trying so hard to put themselves on the tourism map, pump a Mountainous state across the country?


Well, the answer is simple - money. These ads must cost a fortune and the state of Montana has done waves of brand awareness studies to show which cities will give them return on their advertising dollars. Minneapolis is just one of them, Chicago and Seattle are two others, amongst more.

Here is proof that advertising in Minneapolis works.  We primarily took this trip because of the constant Montana splashing throughout the city. I also know various other people taking this same trip to see Glacier National Park, Yellow Stone and various other things in the Mountains of Montana - some because of the ads and a few because our trip was so much fun. I have to admit, I was waiting for the mountain sheep, moose and animals that the ads blatantly sell.  You will see them, but they're not everywhere and unless you venture into the mountains on excursions, you won't see them at all. So buyer beware - but you can find them, like we did.

Take a look at some the photos we took while visiting Montana. You couldn't ask for a better ad campaign right here..
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park Entrance




 Its not easy getting around in the mountains, especially when you're not dressed for the occasion.


We saw a ton of wildlife! The up-close Moose were Rockin'.  I couldn't get enough of that.

Lake McDonald Glacier National Park

Later in the trip, we took a trip to Yellow Stone National Park. Wow! You have to do this - I was blown away. We were literally in the middle of nowhere - nothing around you except for mountains, peace and quite as far as the eye can see.  We took a guide out and traveled for 5 hours by horse back through the mountains and over suspension bridges that hung high above raging water down below. At first, I was scared to even cross them, but after the first one it got a bit easier.
True Cowboy style at Yellow Stone



Check out the video of my journey across this suspension bridge.


We stayed at and visited cool little towns while visiting. This place reminds me of an old western movie - you really can disappear while you're here.  My cell phone only worked part of the trip. I thought I was going to die.. but turns out the personal time was well worth it on this one. 

Livingston, Montana

 We had a great time saying in small towns with great views. I would recommend this to anyone. Did I mention there are zero televisions in the hotel rooms! You really need to detach and learn how to keep yourself busy.

Livingston, Montana


Old gear, antiques and hardware - I'm in heaven. Montana even has some of this cool stuff below...


Im a city person and I have been my whole life, living in night clubs and traveling through venues, but I have to tell you - Montana is the polar opposite of my life and it is L.A. Nik approved.


Happy Travels and tell 'em L.A. Nik sent you.
~ L.A. Nik